Physical Therapist

Overview

The Staff Physical Therapist will be directly involved in patient evaluation, planning, directing and administering physical therapy modalities of treatment as prescribed by a licensed physician.  The Staff Physical Therapist reports to the Lead Physical Therapist and/or Director of Rehabilitation Services. The Staff Physical Therapist will also assist patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, by providing effective, efficient, and quality care for the patient. The Physical Therapist will coordinate, delegate and supervise assigned supportive staff (PTA, PT Aide).

 

Evaluates patients by utilizing specialized testing procedures and skills, incorporating data from the medical record and assessing. Manages the plan of care through consultation with MD. Set goals and develops appropriate treatment plans as determined from the outcome of the assessments. Evaluates patient's equipment needs. Incorporates discharge planning into treatment planning. Provides supervision and direction for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) and Rehab Aide.

Responsibilities

• Plans, manages and coordinates patient evaluations and physical therapy treatment.
  • Evaluates patients referred utilizing specialized testing procedures and skills, incorporating data from the medical record and assessing, as appropriate the patient's range of motion, muscle strength, neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory status, skin, coordination, gait, functional and cognitive status, pain and rehabilitation potential.
  • Correlates evaluation data to determine individualized plan of care in order to maximize the patient's rehabilitation potential.
  • Manages the plan of care through:
    • Consultation with referring physician, other team members and outside agencies.
    • Administering treatments as indicated.
    • Delegating routine care to supportive personnel according to their experience and expertise.
    • Maintaining responsibility for the patient and treatment program at all times by regularly overseeing performance of supportive personnel.
    • Recording therapeutic techniques implemented, patient's response progress.
    • In consultation with physician, modifies plan of care as indicated.
  • Incorporates discharge planning into treatment planning from day of admission.
    • Educates patient, family and staff.
    • Evaluates patient's equipment needs.
    • Coordinates with team members.
    • Designs individualized home program.
  • Completes all required documentation, including initial evaluations, progress summaries, patient care plans, M.D.S. forms, patient screenings, case management forms, etc.

• Assists with the orientation and training of staff.
  • Participates in orientation and training of new physical therapy staff.
  • Assists with orientation of temporary physical therapy staff.
  • Participates in training of hospital personnel as requested.
  • Participates in the training of student interns as assigned.

• Complies with hospital and departmental policies and procedures in order to meet department, program and hospital goals.
  • Complies with established departmental productivity standard.
  • Plans, organizes and controls time effectively for self and assigned supportive personnel for direct patient care, documentation, record keeping and other job requirements.
  • Participates in departmental CQI program.
  • Serves on program and hospital committees as requested.
  • Coordinates work and services between disciplines and assists in resolution of intra-disciplinary problems.
  • Participates in multi-disciplinary patient care rounds as assigned.
  • Demonstrates flexibility with requests for time off, considering the needs of the department.
  • Consistently arrives to work on time.
  • Does not exceed sick time allowance, as established by policy.
  • Completes time card according to policy.

• Upholds the APTA Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice and the state of California Statutes pertaining to physical therapy.
  • Performs ethically at all times.
  • Maintains an acceptable standard of care.

• Performs within the philosophy and organizational structure of the institution, the program and the standards governing the profession.
  • Assumes responsibility for continued professional growth.
    • Independently keeps up-to-date with trends and developments in physical therapy practice, procedures and techniques.
    • Makes recommendations for implementation of improved or new practices and procedures.
    • Presents in service training to departm